Innovative use of both the term and the looks of sushi - the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Food Science Club developed something not made of fish, but of fruit. The dessert item, named Kudamushi Fruit Sushi, earned second place last weekend (July 28-29 2007) in the annual Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) product development competition in Chicago.

The bite-sized treats are designed to look like maki rolls, the iconic edibles of the sushi bar. At the center of each roll, where fish and vegetables usually go, lies a piece of pectin candy that tastes of ginger and peaches. The gummy candy is surrounded by real sushi rice flavored with jasmine. But in the place of seaweed, which wraps a traditional maki roll, the candy-and-rice mix is enveloped in dark purple fruit leather.

“Between the ginger, peaches, fruit leather and jasmine, there are a lot of levels of flavor in this dessert snack,” says Jen Baeten, a senior majoring in food science who led the 10-person team that developed the product. “It would make a great party snack.”

Baeten adds that Kudamushi Fruit Sushi rolls are fat-free, cholesterol-free and contain a mere 56 calories per three-roll serving. They are packaged frozen, needing only to be thawed before eating.

Looks good!

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